Yellow Tang Question

[bonermeister]

I am aware that yellow tangs are skinny, very skinny, but if you can clearly see the skeleton within the tang such as this one, does that mean it is underfed or unhealthy? Or does it mean nothing? I have seen some rather "fat" yellow tangs before, 1 to 1.5 cm wide at the belly, and didn't know if these were more healthy than the ultra-skinny tangs or not.
Just wonderin'! :thinking:

 

[reefrobber]

when i kept mine i could see it's ribs but you can most of the time with them so if that's what you mean then i would say it's okay if it's not eating what you give it then there is something wrong how long have you had it?

 

[bonermeister]

This one isn't mine, I was just using the pic as an example.

 

[nm reef]

Most of the active and apparently healthy yellow tangs I've seen look a bit on the thin side...even almost transparent in appearence. I kept one for a few years that ate a steady diet of assorted algae based foods and was always active/healthy but it always seemed a bit thin. I think its sort of the nature of the fish...same as numerous other types of tangs. I saw once that poor diet and stress will cause the stomach to look sucked in and the skeletal structure will become much more apparent in sick or under fed specimans. The pic you attached looks like a decently healthy yellow.

 

[kc36330]

FWIW all my tangs are 'Fat' yellow included, you can't see ribs on any of them. IMO a tang that you can see ribs on is underfed or highly stressed.
my yellow is 4 yrs old 6" long and over an inch thick.
kc

 

[clint_reno]

Yellow tangs are grazers, that need to eat frequently. This is the key to determining the happiness of this fish. While they are shy, and easily spooked, they should exhibit a real desire to eat.

 

[kc36330]

Here's a shot of my Yellow.
kc

 

[kc36330]

my Naso was the only one i could find a pic of that was end on so you can see the size of him.
kc

 

[ejensen]

Have you check out the Akins diet.

 

[kc36330]

Originally posted by ejensen
Have you check out the Akins diet.

all my tangs get a high fiber high protein diet. yes tangs are herbivores but they require meat as part of their diet as well. I feed them mysis shrimp along with a verity of other chopped up seafood. they also have Nori sheets on a clip for them most of the day. and regular handfulls of macro.
kc

 

[ejensen]

Very nice looking fish. BTW that was a joke. I was talking about the low carb diet.

 

[kc36330]

Originally posted by ejensen
Very nice looking fish. BTW that was a joke. I was talking about the low carb diet.
yes I got the joke part, I just wanted to elaborate that tangs need a varied diet not just algae based foods to thrive.
the only one of my tangs that doesn't have a big bulged stomach area is my Achilles, he's just to active but he doesnt have ribs showing either.
my yellow is the only one that doesn't take food from hand, he did a few yrs back but has become shy in his old age, of course my 18 month old with her face plastered to the side of his tank :joy: doesn't help matters any
kc

 

[wrassecal]

I think that with yellow tangs a nice bright yellow color is as important as whether they "look" thin. Also do their fins and activity all seem normal. I feed my tangs algae sheets, they graze and they eat the smorgasboard of mysis, squid etc that I feed at night. My yellow is rather plump considering a lot of others I've seen.

 

[ebsochin]

kc36330- Just a question about your Naso, how big is it? I was just curious. Mine is about 12" with streamers. Love to see other Nasos thriving!!:yes: :yes:

 

[wrassecal]

Mine is a blonde like yours and about 5 inches. I wonder if and when it will get streamers. The tail does seem to be getting more of a curve the last few months.

 

[ebsochin]

As far as I know, mine isn't a blonde naso. But for the streamers, you'll only get those if you have a male. Nice size Naso at 5". You got to love them.

 

[kc36330]

Originally posted by ebsOCHIN
kc36330- Just a question about your Naso, how big is it? I was just curious. Mine is about 12" with streamers. Love to see other Nasos thriving!!:yes: :yes:
right at 8" and no streamers
kc

 

[ebsochin]

kc36330 SWEEEEET! How long have you had it? I have to say that the naso is my favorite fish. What do you think? Any chance you could get a side shot of yours. Just want to admire the beauty. Thanks.

 

[bonermeister]

Thanks guys!
Those are some tubby tangs!

 

[kc36330]

Originally posted by ebsOCHIN kc36330 SWEEEEET! How long have you had it?
I've had her for about a year now, I actually got a good deal, traded 6 small Xenia frags for her.
I have to say that the naso is my favorite fish. What do you think?
Tangs in general are by far my favorite fish, but the Achilles is top ranked. I've had mine for almost 3 yrs now and it has grown from 3" to almost 7" and as healthy as can be, more tone in shape then the others who are more 'Fat'
Any chance you could get a side shot of yours. Just want to admire the beauty. Thanks.
I dug around and found this one, its not the best and I'll try to snap a better one tomorrow when lights are back on. for comparison that's a Tunze 6100 beside her.
kc